This training module is part of a series of outbreak response training for H5N1 in Egypt, 2008. It gives an overview of different methods and techniques and their applicibility under African circumstances. The ptaining was provided under the Better Training for Safer Food program of the European Union.

1. Depopulation and disposalDepopulation and disposal
Harm Kiezebrink
Principal consultant
www.N2GF.com

2. MODULE PURPOSE
During session, the participants will learn:
• Both technical and practical aspects on culling and disposal
• The participants discuss the relative merits of each culling
technique and integrate it with the method of disposal
• The participants carry out a number of exercises and activities
relating outbreak response and site management and control
using the material in the participants handout

3. Module Objectives
• Prepare for a (multiple) depopulation operation according to the
international guidelines of the FAO and the OIE
• Compare and select suitable culling & disposal techniques that
are applicable under different situations
• Calculate the human capacity needed
• Compare and select different options for additional materials
needed to carry out the depopulation operation

4. Agenda planning of depopulation activities
By the end of this session you will be able to:
• Prepare for a (multiple) depopulation operation
• Compare and select suitable culling & disposal techniques that
are applicable under different situations;
• Calculate the capacity needed for depopulation operations

5. DEFINITION OF STAMP OUT
OIE: Carrying out under the vet authority, the killing of animals
infected and suspected to be infected
FAO: Designation of clean & infected zones
Intensive disease surveillance within the infected zone
Quarantine of livestock movement
Immediate slaughter and disposal of all susceptible animals
(depopulation)

6. PREPARATION: GETTING READY
INTRODUCTION TO CULLING AND ANIMAL WELFARE
Animal welfare is an important consideration in any culling
operation:
• number of birds to be eliminated
• need to depopulate within 24-48 hours
• most appropriate culling method
Note: Attempt to select the culling method that results in a death which
minimizes the stress and suffering of the animals

7. Task 1
• In four groups,
– Individually, read the case scenario given to your group.
– Then, as a group, discuss:
• How would you advise on advise on the protective
measures for the public and response workers to
minimize the risk of infection and/or spread of H5N1
HPAI?
• What are your top 2-3 recommendations?
• Assign one person to take notes on the responses.
• You have 30 minutes for this task.
• Be prepared to present to the larger group.

8. SAMPLE Application Planning/Reflection
Individually,
• What are 2-3 key takeaways for you from this module?
• What steps will you need to take to prepare yourself to deploy
these skills effectively in the field?
• You have 10 minutes to reflect.

9. What is depopulation?
• Depopulation, also called culling of birds & disposal of
carcasses, is one of the fundamental parts of a stamp out
strategy.
• This part of the session introduces both technical and practical
information on culling and disposal techniques.
• Via discussion and exercises, we’ll discuss the relative merits of
each system and integrate it with the method of disposal.

10. Objectives of this part of the training:
• Prepare for a depopulation operation according to the
international guidelines of FAO and OIE;
• Compare and select suitable culling and disposal techniques
that are applicable under different situations; and
• Compare and select different options for additional materials
needed to carry out the depopulation operation.

11. Depopulation
• Depopulation is culling AND disposal
– Culling starts when disposal is arranged on the spot...
– ... Culling stops when disposal logistics jams

12. OIE Recommended Poultry Killing Methods
4 generic categories:
– physical
– chemical
– electrical
– gaseous agents

13. Electrocution

14. Electrocution line

15. Container gassing

16. Container gassing

17. Cullingbag system

18. Wet foam system

19. Gas lift system

20. Complex container systems

21. Avoid extra poultry handling

22. ….. And how would you depopulate this?

23. Disposal Methods
• burial
• incineration
• rendering
• composting

24. Incineration

25. Burial

26. Controlling Excavation Hazards
Sloping in type C soil
Shielding
Shoring

27. In house composting

28. Avoid culling in the open air

29. Make sure your carcass disposal
option is in place in time

30. Task 2: Discussion
• Which of the 4 do you see used most often?
• What experiences have you had with rendering?
• What are some lessons you’ve learned in working
with composting and burial?

31. Using Culling & Disposal Checklists
• In your group use the following references and documents of
your handout to make recommendations on the most
appropriate culling and disposal techniques for the scenario
assigned to your group
– #5A Description of the Culling Options
– #5B Description of the cullingbag system
– #5H Checklist for Culling & Disposal Options
– Scenarios & Poultopia Map
• You have 20 minutes